Restaurant Raid, E-Hailing Protest, and Airport Incidents – September 16, 2024
Catch up on today’s South African news: a TikTok exposé leads to a major restaurant raid, e-hailing drivers protest unfair practices, and two separate incidents at airports result in fatalities. Get all the details from September 16, 2024.
TikTok Investigation Leads to Restaurant Raid in South Africa
In a dramatic turn of events, the Babel restaurant in Menlyn has been raided by authorities following revelations from a former employee shared via TikTok. According to IOL, at least three individuals have been arrested, including the restaurant’s owner and two undocumented workers. The sting operation, executed by the police, Home Affairs, and the Department of Labour, was triggered by a TikTok post that exposed troubling labour practices at the upscale establishment.
The former employee’s account highlighted several serious issues: employees were reportedly hired without formal contracts, forced to cover their own uniform costs, and faced the absence of a basic salary. Furthermore, staff were penalized with fines for cutlery and breakage costs and required to purchase their own equipment, including bottle openers and lighters. Compensation was limited to tips and a daily breakage fee of R200.
KwaZulu-Natal e-Hailing Drivers Protest Unfair Practices
The KwaZulu-Natal e-Hailing Council is set to launch a significant protest against unfair labor practices and pricing structures affecting e-hailing drivers. The protest will impact services in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, and Port Shepstone. Sifiso Mabika, a representative of the council, cited concerns over unsustainable commission structures, safety issues, and unfair vehicle age limits.
Drivers are demanding the removal of current vehicle age restrictions until vehicles are fully paid off, improved safety measures including user ID verification and facial recognition, and a restructuring of the commission model that they claim results in substantial financial losses.
Two Passengers Die in Separate Airport Incidents
Tragedy struck at two major South African airports over the weekend. At OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, a person fell from Parking Level 5 to the ground floor and was declared deceased by paramedics. Meanwhile, at King Shaka International Airport in Durban, an unidentified male passenger collapsed and died. The causes of death in both incidents remain under investigation.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage on these developing stories.
